Worcester Art Museum Begins Construction on New Access Bridge
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Thursday, September 18, 2014
GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team
With a light and elegant form, the new bridge compliments the Museum’s neoclassical facade as well as the Roman hunt mosaic in the Renaissance Court. Image courtesy wHY.
Construction has begun on a new accessible walkway and landscaping initiative on the Salisbury Street side of the
Worcester Art Museum.
Designed by Kulapat Yantrasast of wHY, the “bridge” significantly improves access for visitors, while changes to the adjacent area will create parking spaces for those with disabilities, as well as a more inviting pedestrian pathway into the building.
"The bridge is symbolic of the Worcester Art Museum's overall approach to visitors, reflecting our openness and desire to be as welcoming and accessible as possible," said Matthias Waschek, director. "In 2012, we re-opened the Salisbury Street doors, thereby re-activating this important part of our building. As we considered how to further support access through this historic entrance, we realized that a completely new and innovative solution was needed. wHY's design for our new access bridge will allow everyone-including those who, for any number of reasons, are unable to use steps-to enter the Museum through our front door, making it an important gesture of hospitality to our visitors. At the same time, we are also committed to preserving the integrity of our historic façade, which wHY has accomplished beautifully."
These changes are part of a set of strategic goals and initiatives the Museum established under its Vision 2020 plan. Broadly focused on transforming and growing the Museum’s audience, the plan looks at both programmatic and infrastructure changes necessary to increase visitorship and support sustained engagement with families and younger audiences.
The construction project is expected to be completed in spring 2015. During the construction period, the Museum’s Salisbury Street entrance and the adjacent driveway are expected to remain open. Museum parking across Lancaster Street will also remain accessible while the parking spaces in front of the Salisbury Street entrance are closed during construction.
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